Roraima and Gran SabanaThe Gran Sabana is Venezuela's last frontier, where few tourists come. The best way to reach it is by plane and 4WD vehicle. The area is characterised by the 114 'Tepuis', flat topped mountains which emerged over 600 million years ago. In such an isolated environment, unique flora and fauna have emerged with many species endemic to a single mountain. This is the fabled land of El Dorado where the prospect of gold, diamond and precious stones has drawn miners, dreamers and fortune hunters. The area is ideal for swimming and is best known for the thousands of beautiful freshwater falls, each more impressive than the last which cascade down massive cliffs. The most famous of these are the Aponwao Falls at 100m high and the Jasper Falls, formed from semi-precious rock. The region is also home to about 15,000 Pemon Indians living in some 250 settlements, giving you the opportunity to stay with them and understand their culture. A minimum of 3 days is needed to explore the region. The largest and highest of the table top mountains is Roraima. Its plateau is around 2700m making it the most popular Tepui to climb and requires a minimum of 5 days to do so. Due to the remoteness of the region, accommodation is in basic lodges. THINGS TO SEE AND DO IN GRAN SABANATo fully appreciate the region a minimum of 3 days / 2 nights is needed, though if you plan on climbing the most famous tabletop mountain of Roraima allow for 6 days / 5 nights. Trips can be done from either Santa Elena to Puerto Ordaz or vice versa, or, to and from Santa Elena. Some of the overnight accommodation is in tents/hammocks or basic lodgings. Below are examples of possible itineraries, though they can be mixed and matched to suit your requirements. Gran Sabana Explorer 4D/3N. This trip takes in all the highlights of the region from Puerto Ordaz to Santa Elena (return). The four day adventure takes in every waterfall on this 500km 4WD route. Some of the major falls you'll see are; Jasper, Kawi and Kama along with the most impressive of them all Aponguao, set inside the indigenous Pemon community and accessible by boat and foot. Visiting the small towns en-route will also give you an insight into the indigenous communities, along with the mining towns, giving you an understanding of their way of life. You will also gain views of the impressive Tepuis of Roriama. Overnight stops will be in tents situated next to waterfalls or basic posadas. Gran Sabana Dream 3D/2N. To/from Santa Elena. Incorporating all of the best spots from the far south eastern corner; Jespe Canyon and the Jasper Falls, the Soroape natural waterslide and a night under canvas next to the Kama falls. Day 2 takes you into the Pemon Indian settlement at Kavanayan where you will hike through the rainforest around Sororopan Tepuis and sleep in typical stone cabanas. Your third day will be by boat, jeep and on foot, taking you to the hidden waterfalls at Aponguao, before returning to Santa Elena. Trekking to Roraima Tepuis 6D/5N. To/from Santa Elena.
Day 1. 4WD to Pareitpuy Indian village. Trek to Kukenan River, ropes required for crossing in rainy season. (5hrs)
Day 2. Trek to base of Roriama. Camp is at the base of the 1000m vertical wall. (4 1/2 hrs)
Day 3. The trail crosses diagonally on the Roraima wall, through cloud forest, pre-historic tree ferns to waterfalls dropping from 100's of metres above. Arrive Roriama summit. (4 1/2 hrs)
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